Derek Norris, who appeared in big-league camp this spring, has dealt with several injuries.

Derek Norris, the Nationals' top catching prospect, was hit in the head by a fastball during tonight's game at Class A Potomac and lay motionless on the field for nearly 10 minutes.

According to a press release from the Potomac Nationals, Norris was conscious and moving his extremities. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The 21-year-old, who earned organizational player of the year honors in 2009, has endured a difficult stretch since the end of the season. He broke the hamate bone in his left wrist while playing in the Florida instructional league in September, an injury that kept him out of the Arizona Fall League.

Norris appeared in his first big-league camp this spring but missed considerable time at Potomac after the season began when the wrist continued to bother him. He was playing in only his 13th game this season when he stepped to the plate in the seventh inning tonight in Salem, Va., and was struck in the head by a fastball from Boston RedRead more »

Norris has given this fan base so much hope. Baseball ain't football but it's still a dangerous game. You hope and pray that this young man will make a full recovery with his love for the game and his confidence intact.

As a Nats fan, I'm always most interested in when can a player be back playing. However, the most important thing for Derek is that he take time to recover and that the organization gives him the best of medical care. These hits to the head can't be taken lightly.